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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks after disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been out since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his recovery and could not progress “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Remain

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth during the summer has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to deal with such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was helping their league challenge, his response was positive. “Absolutely, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”